Located just outside the city of Oaxaca, La Mesita is a beautiful nature reserve nestled among the mountains behind San Pablo Etla. Seeing a need to restore the once barren landscape, the local community elected a council of six members to collectively organize the introduction of diverse vegetation and curb erosion.
Today, the reserve is sustained by community participation under their policy of “tequio,” or mandatory service. These volunteers carefully nurture a variety of plants and engineer methods to capture water for irrigation. An important part of their conservation effort is the cultivation of different varieties of agave used to make mezcal, a medicinal alcohol, in order to preserve biodiversity.
One of the main goals of La Mesita is to educate locals and visitors about the principles of conservation through a personal connection with nature. Educational tours and community outreach have led to La Mesita’s international recognition. For example, Real Architecture Workshops (RAW), a U.S.-based organization, has integrated their unique sustainable structures into the beautiful highland landscape. Also woven into the site are nature-inspired creations by various artists, thus furthering La Mesita’s philosophy of collaboration.
For those looking to reconnect with the natural world, La Mesita offers many different outdoor excursions and volunteer projects to help contribute to their cause. Zip-lining, camping, and hiking are just a few of the ways to explore this ongoing initiative that combines conservation, art, and local engagement.
